The City of New Castle will be featured in the next season of a PBS documentary series.
A screening of “City Centric” on PBS Western Reserve will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 at the New Castle Public Library as part of a celebration of the building’s new elevator. On TV, the half-hour episode will air at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and at 1:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept. 14. The PBS station can be found on WYFX-LD 19, WFMJ 21, WKBN 27, WYTV 33, WNEO 45 and WEAO 49.
After its premiere, the episode — titled “Learn How this Resilient City is Building a Stronger Future” — will be available on the PBS Western Reserve website, YouTube channel and PBS app.
The show features interviews with six “changemakers” in cities across Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. These include a business leader, revitalizer, artist, humanitarian, educator and visionary.
“The passion this cast of guests has for their communities has been so inspiring for me to see,” said Sophia Gillespie, associate producer of content. “We hope that anyone who watches feels the same way I do listening to these stories of authenticity, courage and kindness.”
Guests for New Castle’s episode are city Administrator Chris Frye (revitalizer), New Castle Public Library Director Andrew Henley (historian), Arise Executive Director Nicole Amabile (visionary), Hoyt Executive Director Kimberly Koller-Jones (artist), Cray Youth & Family Services Executive Director Don Kemerer (business leader) and City Rescue Mission Kitchen Manager Damon Blackshear (humanitarian).
Amabile said she spoke about the best places in the city to get something to eat or drink, and what it means to be “City Centric.”
“There are so many people doing amazing things in our city, so the fact that my work stuck out was very surreal,” Amabile said, adding city residents are caring, hardworking and innovative and will go above and beyond to help the city flourish again.
Frye spoke about his role as city administrator and the role of a Home Rule charter style of government, while Henley detailed the library and Lawrence County Historical Society.
“City Centric covered various topics, primarily focusing on the city’s revitalization efforts. I was thrilled to be selected for the interview” Frye said. “The city is experiencing many positive developments, and any opportunity to showcase our achievements and plans is beneficial.”
Added Frye: “New Castle is on the precipice of change. People are investing in and actively participating in these efforts. There is positive momentum, and we are doing everything we can to keep it going.”
Koller-Jones spoke about the Hoyt’s role in supporting education, community, economic development and mental well-being in the community, and how it partners with others to add value through the arts.
“As an artist myself, I approach the board room and committees with the same creative mindset — connecting the dots across sectors with new ideas for working together,” Koller-Jones said.
She feels more optimistic about future development in New Castle due to new enthusiasm at City Hall and outside leaders bringing in fresh ideas, such as Forward Lawrence CEO Ben Bush and Citywide Development Corporation Executive Director Brian Burick.
“There’s a stronger spirit of collaboration,” Koller-Jones said. “Folks have got to realize resiliency isn’t just about moving forward, but the ability to get back up no matter how many times you’ve been knocked down.”
Kemerer spoke about the work of Cray Services, but mainly The Confluence, which is a vital meeting spot and entertainment venue.
“It felt good. I’ve remained a big part of the community,” said Kemerer, who’s worked for Cray for 35 years. “I’ve always been about people, taking care of people. It’s in my blood.”
Blackshear detailed the work of the City Rescue Mission in the community.
“We just try to get a foothold into the community. We try to take the storytelling approach,” said Ryan Donchess, show executive producer and director of content at Western Reserve.
Sharon in Mercer County was highlighted in season one, but Donchess wanted to feature Lawrence County in the second season.
“New Castle is super interesting to me,” Donchess said.
Sthephanie Marie, a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, who later moved with her family to Campbell, Ohio, hosts the show. She shot her segments in Cascade Park and in the Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum.
“She likes to tell stories,” Donchess said.
